Institutional Staff Research Articles

The Relationship of Web-Based Learning among Academic Staff in TVET Institutions

The Relationship of Web-Based Learning among Academic Staff in TVET Institutions

Um modelo de motivação do corpo docente em instituições de ensino superior analisado a partir da complexidade

Objective. This study aims to develop a model that provides a better understanding of the motivation of teaching staff in higher education institutions (HEI) from a complexity perspective. Methodology. It is a correlational-descriptive type of research, with a mixed research method and a motivation-dependent category. The research is linked to a categorical system extracted from the literature review and subsequently refined by two rounds of experts using the Delphi technique. They indicated the following 6 categories that influence teaching motivation: intrinsic, extrinsic, transform knowledge, generate research, quality in education, permanent education, and teaching as a generator of social status. Subsequently, 40 referenced subcategories were constructed that account for each category. For greater accuracy, the Lasso method was used to narrow down the subcategories to 27; this ensured the formulation of questions in a survey with 122 records of teachers, based on the Likert scale type. Results. The interdisciplinarity of complex thinking requires several factors in motivating higher education faculty. These include professional activity, comprehensiveness, effectiveness, knowledge, problem-solving, leadership, interactions, autonomous learning, methodologies, institutional issues, power relations, and social position. Discussion and conclusion. It is crucial to start from a holistic view that integrates teaching motivation in different aspects such as teaching practice, student behavior, organizational aspects, interactivity of the academic community, recognition, and historical and situational contexts. Equally crucial is achieving the integration of these elements that contribute to fostering quality training processes.

ИСТОРИКО-ПРАВОВЫЕ ТЕНДЕНЦИИ УГОЛОВНОЙ ОТВЕТСТВЕННОСТИ ЗА ДЕЗОРГАНИЗАЦИЮ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ УЧРЕЖДЕНИЙ, ОБЕСПЕЧИВАЮЩИХ ИЗОЛЯЦИЮ ОСУЖДЕННЫХ (ЗАКЛЮЧЕННЫХ) ОТ ОБЩЕСТВА

In Russia, one of the most common punishments throughout the entire period of existence has been punishments related to imprisonment and isolation from society. In the process of executing these punishments, problems may arise in their implementation. The key problem in this area is the improvement of measures to counter actions that disrupt the activities of correctional institutions. For several decades, Soviet legislation has been changing the concept of criminal liability for actions related to the disorganization of correctional institutions. The article examines the historical and legal trends in the development of criminal liability for violent acts against convicts (prisoners) and staff of institutions providing isolation from society at different historical stages. The work is based on the analysis of scientific literature and legislative acts that establish measures of responsibility for actions related to the disorganization of correctional institutions. The aim of the work was to raise the problem of criminal liability for the disorganization of correctional institutions for scientific discussion.

The relationship between personality traits and burnout in medical staff in public vs private institutions

This research explores the relationship between personality traits and burnout among medical staff in public and private institutions. The study uses a complex methodology, including hypothesis testing, participant selection, and various research instruments, to examine correlations between specific personality traits and levels of burnout. Data analysis reveals significant links, highlighting the influence of the work environment on burnout. The results provide essential insightsinto the complexity of burnout, its impact on the effectiveness and well-being of health professionals.

Pengelolaan Administrasi Sekolah di MI Jayasari

In the implementation of education, good school administration management is needed to be able to provide services to related parties to produce better performance. Accuracy, accuracy and speed of data/information presentation are important factors in managing good administration. One of the tasks of school administration staff in an educational institution is in terms of correspondence, because of that school administration is often called writing work which produces letters and then collects them into archives. The management of correspondence needs to be applied to each educational institution, because it is a source of data or information that is useful for the maximum progress of the educational institution, the source of data and information used is in the form of a letter document.

The Usage of Familiarity Related Address Terms among the Academic Staff of Jigawa State College of Education and Legal Studies, Ringim

Going by the title of the research, it is purely Institution-based research in nature, as it focuses on the use of familiarity related address terms among academic staff of Jigawa State College of education and Legal Studies Ringim. The objectives of this research are: to study the address terms use in the selected tertiary institution in Jigawa State, examine the sources of address terms use among the academic staff, investigate the reasons and social factors that determine the use of the terms among the academic staff in the tertiary Institution. The study adopts Discourse analysis theory in the analysis of the data and ethnography of communication method for the data collection. The findings of the research reveal four types of familiarity related address terms that are used among academic staff of JSCOELS Ringim. The identified terms are: name, descriptive, honorific and kinship term. Besides, the reasons behind the use of the terms among the academic staff are: to show familiarity, respect, intimacy, politeness and power differential. Similarly, the research findings reveal the existence of four social factors that determine the usage of the terms among the academic staff. Such as: Education, occupational hierarchy, social status, and degree of intimacy. Lastly, the research results show that the academic staff used both English and Hausa familiarity related terms of address in addressing each other.

Assessing the Role of ICT Training in Bridging Digital Competence Gap among Administrative Staff of Federal Tertiary Institutions in South-West Nigeria

This study examines the role of ICT training in bridging digital competence gap among administrative staff of the Federal tertiary institutions in southwest Nigeria. The study employed the survey approach with the use of questionnaire as instrument for data collection. The population comprised all senior Registry staff of the institutions from which a sample of 373 was selected systematic multi-stage technique. Three hypotheses were formulated and tested with inferential statistics involving regression at 0.05 level of significance. The results indicate that ICT training has significant contributions to electronic information processing skills, virtual communication ability and adaptive technology use among administrative staff of Federal tertiary institutions in South-west Nigeria. It was concluded that ICT training especially in domain specific areas is essential in equipping administrative staff of federal tertiary institutions with relevant and up-to-date digital skills, bridging the digital competence gap and leads to adaptation of the staff to new and emerging technologies. The study recommends that ICT training needs of the administrative staff should be regularly assessed and such trainings should be domain-centered and focused on key areas of administrative roles in which digital competence and mastery are required.

Employee Welfare and Job Commitment among Non-Academic Senior Staff of Tertiary Institutions in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Job commitment is the degree to which an employee identifies with the organization and wants to continue actively participating in it. Commitment is one of the important consequences of employee welfare maintenance. The study investigated employee welfare and job commitment in tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The study was guided by 3 research questions with their corresponding null hypotheses. The methodology of the study is correlational research design. The population for the study was 1,730 senior non-academic staff of tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State. A total of 325 respondents were selected from senior non-academic staff of tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State. Data was collected through a means of researcher-designed questionnaire. The instrument also went through reliability testing which showed that the instrument was reliable enough for the study. Kendall’s tau-b Correlation Coefficient was used to analyze the data that was generated. Welfare was found to have a strong relationship with the dependent variables namely job commitment. The analysis shows that welfare is positively and significantly related to affective, normative, and continuance commitment among senior non-academic staff of tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State. It was concluded that good and positive employee welfare of an institution is an outcome of many things: such as appropriate employee welfare packages, employees’ satisfaction, long-term strategic moves of institutions, effective policies, and so on. Based on the findings it was recommended among others that there should be some empirical measures on how to promote employee welfare internally and externally; maybe through workers’ welfare packages and sponsorship.

РОЛЬ МОТИВАЦІЙНОЇ СКЛАДОВОЇ В САМООСВІТНІЙ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ НАУКОВО-ПЕДАГОГІЧНИХ ПРАЦІВНИКІВ ЗАКЛАДІВ ВИЩОЇ ОСВІТИ

The article is devoted to the study of the problem of motivation in the self-educational activity of scientific and pedagogical staff of higher education institutions (HEIs). It is noted that self-educational activity is a prerequisite for the professional development of scientific and pedagogical staff of such institutions. The characteristic features of self-educational activity are outlined, one of which is the presence of professional motivation. The essence of motivation is described as a driving force and a system of factors that determine the behaviour of a specialist (needs, aspirations, motives, goals, intentions, attitudes, efforts, ideals, etc.). The article highlights the main theories of motivation that identify the key factors influencing the motivation of specialists in their professional activities. A classification of motivational factors is presented, showing the complexity and diversity of motives. The relationship between professional activity and motivation is indicated, and it is found that motivation for self-education is a complex, multi-component psychological construct that encompasses a set of interrelated motives for professional activity, achievement, professional growth and personal development. The role of the motivational component in the process of self-education of scientific and pedagogical staff of HEIs is identified, which consists of stimulating them to continuous professional development and improvement. The main characteristics, indicators and functions of the motivational sphere are outlined. It is stated that a developed, stable and conscious motivation is an important condition for the effective self-education of scientific and pedagogical staff of HEIs. It is concluded that positive internal motivation for professional activity significantly increases the effectiveness of pedagogical interaction and creates favourable conditions for the self-realisation of teachers in their professional activity.

Model and tools of the navigation system between educational institution buildings using augmented reality technology

A problem of navigation within large educational complexes has been identified, which poses a particular challenge for new students, visitors, and staff. It has been established that the implementation of augmented reality technologies considerably enhances the intuitiveness and usability of the navigation system. A comprehensive structural and mathematical model of the navigation system based on augmented reality technologies has been meticulously developed. This model formalizes the functional dependencies among the system components, enabling a deeper analysis of interconnections and optimization of operational processes. The working algorithm of the system, which utilizes cutting-edge augmented reality technology, is thoroughly described. A software solution for navigating between university buildings, using advanced augmented reality technology, has been developed. This system simplifies the spatial orientation within the campus during transitions between buildings, significantly enhancing the user experience. An interface that seamlessly combines intuitive understanding with visual attractiveness has been proposed, aiding users in effectively planning their academic day. Additionally, the system includes a module that provides visitors with essential information about respective university buildings and access to class schedules. The system architecture comprises several key blocks: the sensor block, the software and data processing block, the campus map integration block, the user interface block, and the interaction and personalization block. These components together ensure a seamless and personalized user experience. The design of the components has employed a systematic approach that ensures interface personalization, stringent data security, and efficient user interaction. In developing the application, the Kotlin programming language, MVVM architectural pattern, Dagger 2 libraries, and the ARCore platform for augmented reality, specifically tailored for the Android platform, were utilized. These technologies provide flexibility, scalability, and efficiency in development. Future research directions have been proposed, which include the further refinement of the software and the expansion of the system's functionality. Additional modules are planned to be developed to meet the evolving needs of the student body and staff of educational institutions, thus enhancing accessibility and integration with other information systems of the educational establishment.

Workplace gender-based violence among female staff in public higher education institutions in eastern Ethiopia: Institution-based cross-sectional study.

Despite the global and local efforts, gender-based violence at workplaces has remained a major public health challenge and pervasive human rights violation worldwide. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of research evidence on gender-based violence in higher educational institutions (HEIs). The main aim of this study was to assess workplace gender-based violence and its associated factors among female staff in public HEIs in eastern Ethiopia. An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among female staff in public HEIs in eastern Ethiopia. Female staff (n = 391) were recruited using systematic sampling techniques from three HEIs. Data were collected by trained female data collectors using a structured pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire. Collected data were entered into EpiData and exported to SPSS for analysis. Descriptive and logistic regression statistical analysis were carried out to compute frequencies and odds ratio at 95% confidence interval (CI). The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at 95% CI was used to declare a significant association. Workplace gender-based violence among female staff at HEIs was 63.1% (95% CI: 58-68%). Being within the age group of 18-34 years (AOR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.02-2.85), being single (AOR: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.32-3.80), divorced (AOR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.03-5.03), working the night shifts (AOR:5.73, 95% CI: 1.87-17.58), Being aware of the reporting procedures of violent incidents (AOR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.01-2.49) and worried for being a victim of violence (AOR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.02-2.86) were the factors associated with workplace gender-based violence against female staff in the public HEIs. Workplace gender-based violence among female staff working in the selected public HEIs was found to be unacceptably high. Awareness-raising campaigns against gender-based violence and reporting procedures in case of violent incidents, enforcing existing policies, orientation to employees, safeguarding the night shift female workers, and survivor support services should be implemented by key stakeholders.

Balancing the equation: assessing the impact of management practices on staff and faculty wellbeing in Chinese higher education institutions.

The intersection of work-family dynamics and job contentment has become a pivotal area of investigation within the higher education landscape, drawing scholarly attention, especially in the Chinese context. This study delves into the intricate relationship between work-family culture and job satisfaction, with a particular spotlight on the mediating influence of perceptions of organizational fairness. The impetus behind this emphasis lies in the burgeoning acknowledgment of organizational justice as a pivotal force shaping employee attitudes and conduct within academic establishments. This research was conducted using two distinct groups. The first group consisted of 1,075 faculty members at Chinese universities, while the second group comprised 972 administrative and technical employees at these institutions. The mediational analyses provided in this study offer an enhanced comprehension of the intricate relationships under discussion. Significantly, the findings reveal that Work-Family Culture plays a crucial predictive role in influencing perceptions of Organizational Justice among both faculty and administrative staff. More importantly, the study uncovers that Work-Family Culture indirectly affects Job Satisfaction through its impact on Organizational Justice. This insight underscores the importance of harmonious work-family interactions as a determinant of job-related attitudes and satisfaction levels.

Promotion Of Open Educational Resources (OER) Utilization Among Academic Staff In Chinese Higher Education Institutions

This investigation explores the adoption of Open Educational Resources (OER) by educators, framed against the backdrop of advancing educational equity, a key objective of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4). Amidst the digital era's transformative impact on education, this study seeks to identify the determinants that influence educators' willingness to embrace OER, drawing on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) for theoretical grounding. Adopting a quantitative approach, this study analyzes 487 valid questionnaires among Chinese private higher education institutions. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to assess the interplay between performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, attitude toward the behavior, perceived behavioral control, and their effects on educators' behavioral intention and actual usage of OER. The findings underscore the critical influence of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions on educators' intentions towards OER adoption. Additionally, the study highlights the mediating role of behavioral intention in the transition from attitudinal factors to the actual application of OER, emphasizing the centrality of educators' intentions in the adoption process. By synthesizing UTAUT and TPB within the OER context, this research enriches the scholarly understanding of technology acceptance models in education. It provides valuable implications for educational policymakers, institutions, and technology developers aiming to promote OER adoption, thereby contributing to the broader goal of achieving educational equity in the digital landscape.

Methods of Teaching and Pedagogical Peculiarities of Organizing of the Educational Process Aimed to Issue a Newspapers by Students

In the article the peculiarities of the organization of educational process of preparing and publishing newspapers by students of the first (bachelor) level of higher education in the specialty «Journalism» are explored, from the point of view of general approaches in the pedagogics of modern higher education. The professional discussion on the content of journalism education in Ukraine was considered through the prism of needs and challenges of the higher education of our country. The author proposed a personal view on solving the problem through deepening the pedagogical mastery of a modern journalism teacher. Using the example of laboratory classes in the discipline «A Journalistic Craftsmanship» taught on the Faculty of Journalism, Advertising and Publishing of Odesa I. I. Mechnikov National University, the author specified shapes and lines of the pedagogical strategy used to train future journalists through practical and creative activities, which are aimed at preparing and publishing issues of newspapers. The logical content of the algorithm of mutually determined actions of the teacher and learners is shown in detail, not as a traditional dichotomy of «subject-object» education, but as equal actors in a state of cooperation. The text of the article provides a general description of the study of the discipline «A Journalistic Craftsmanship» and describes the order of producing newspapers by students’ editorial boards. The interactive nature of the form of student education within the laboratory of periodical press has been proven. The pedagogical methods used by principals of the students’ newspaper editorial boards, the peculiarities and conditions of conducting laboratory classes are indicated, the didactic capacity of the content of the educational discipline «A Journalistic Craftsmanship» is systematized. In the conclusions, the author proposed to consider the pedagogical activity of a principal managing a students’ editorial board as it consists of three major components: a professionalization of students’ practical rate, a pedagogical management, a pedagogical mastery. The results of the study will be interesting to managers of the educational process, as well as to the teaching staff of higher education institutions, administrative staff, and specialists in the field of media.

Social Support Moderates the Impact of Stress and Role Conflict on Life Satisfaction among Malaysian Nurses

Objective: This study examined the influence of role conflict and job stress on life satisfaction among nursing staff in Malaysian healthcare institutions, with social support as a moderator. Methods: To achieve the objectives of this study, the researchers prepared a questionnaire to collect the requisite data. The researchers sampled three hundred and thirty-five (335) nurses selected randomly from Malaysian healthcare institutions. Results: The findings reveal that social support plays an important moderating role between nurses’ job stress and life satisfaction. Conclusion: Nursing staff requires greater flexibility and support from friends, supervisors, and family to reduce stress levels and balance roles.

Female Employee Exploitation and Corporate Longevity: A study of Financial Institutions in Imo State, Nigeria.

The role of women in the workforce has undergone significant changes in recent decades, with an increasing number of women entering the corporate world and making valuable contributions to economic growth and development. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship that between female employee exploitation and corporate longevity in financial institutions in Imo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to determine the relationship that between objectification and job satisfaction of financial institutions in Imo State, Nigeria. It also ascertained the correlation between gender-based discrimination and organisational expansion of financial institutions in Imo State, Nigeria. The study was anchored on Resource-Based View (RBV) theory, by Jay Barney (1991). It employed discriptive survey research design. The target population were 253 female staff of financial institutions in Imo State, Nigeria. Taro Yamane’s method was used to get a sample size of 155. Hypotheses were tested with Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient on Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS version 27) at 5% level of significance. Hypothesis one revealed that there was a statistically significant negative relationship between objectification and job satisfaction of financial institutions in Imo State, Nigeria, with r = -0.312, n = 155 and p value of 0.000 (p<0.05). Hypothesis two indicated that there was a statistically significant negative correlation that exists between gender discrimination and organisational expansion of financial institutions in Imo State, Nigeria, with r = -0.249, n = 155 and p value of 0.002 (p<0.05). The study concluded that there was a statistically significant negative relationship between female employee exploitation and corporate longevity of financial institutions in Imo State, Nigeria. The study recommended among others that financial institutions in Imo State need to recognise the imperative of gender equality and take proactive steps to address discrimination, create inclusive environments, and leverage diversity to drive business expansion.

Impact Of Self-Efficacy, Self-Esteem, Employee Engagement, And Organizational Citizenship Behaviour On Job Performance Of Academic Staff In Higher Education Institutions Of Klang Valley, Malaysia

Background/Purpose: The higher education sector faces intensified competition amid global and technological advancements, further impacted by the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. This study delves into the nuanced factors affecting the job performance of academic staff in the Klang Valley, employing a robust quantitative research design. The research, prompted by challenges posed by virtual teaching and learning during the pandemic, investigates key variables through a causal research approach. By exploring academic job performance dynamics, the research contributes to enhancing the quality of education and understanding the factors influencing educators' effectiveness. Methodology: The target population includes academic staff from prominent educational institutions in the Klang Valley, strategically chosen for their diversity and significance as an educational hub. Employing probability sampling, specifically simple random sampling, the study collects primary data through questionnaires distributed to academic staff in eight reputable institutions in the Klang Valley. A pilot study ensures the reliability and validity of the data collection instruments. A total of 385 academic staff from the Klang Valley participated as respondents. Data analysis, conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), reveals high dependability exceeding recommended thresholds. The analytical framework employs both descriptive and inferential analyses, including Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple linear regression. Findings: Results indicate significant positive correlations between variables such as self-efficacy, self-esteem, employee engagement, organizational citizenship behavior, and job performance. In the inferential analysis, the multiple linear regression model demonstrates a substantial impact of independent variables on job performance, with organizational citizenship behavior making the highest contribution, followed by self-efficacy. Novelty: This study is a comprehensive exploration of academic job performance dynamics in the Klang Valley post-COVID-19. The study employs a robust quantitative research design, including a causal research approach, probability sampling, and statistical analyses like Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression. By investigating the relationships between key variables such as self-efficacy, self-esteem, employee engagement, organizational citizenship behavior, and job performance, the research provides nuanced insights into the intricate socio-emotional and organizational factors influencing academic job performance. The study's focus on a diverse and strategically chosen population contributes to the broader understanding of these dynamics, offering valuable implications for academic institutions globally.

ОТКРЫТОСТЬ ШКОЛЫ КАК ФАКТОР ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ ПОЗНАВАТЕЛЬНОГО ИНТЕРЕСА УЧАЩИХСЯ

Introduction. Sociocultural conditioning makes education more and more open. Various innovation platforms are created on the basis of educational institutions of the city. One of such platforms is secondary school No. 238 of the Admiralteysky district of St. Petersburg. The teaching staff of the educational institution decided to develop the idea of increasing the openness of the school. In order to increase students’ involvement in the process of learning, teachers organize meta-events - interesting, personally meaningful activities for students that influence the formation of their value-semantic sphere. The purpose of the article is to identify, on the basis of the conducted research, the incentives for the formation of cognitive interest of adolescents in the context of extracurricular activities. We have put forward the hypothesis that the formation of cognitive interests of adolescents is boosted by the provision of maximum autonomy and the opportunity to choose in the learning activities, non-standard, emotional presentation of material, strengthening of integration and interdisciplinarity, visualization of educational information, and gamification of the learning process. Materials and Methods. To test the hypothesis and achieve the purpose of the study, we used the method of a questionnaire survey. After the Day of Learning that took place at secondary school No. 238, 177, the students from 5th to 11th grades took part in the questionnaire. The questionnaire included three sets of questions, the answers to which will allow tracing the dynamics of students’ cognitive interests and highlight the features of the event that proved to be the most significant for students. Results. The analysis of the answers has shown that students of different ages perceived the meta-event differently. This means that the incentives for cognitive interest formation in adolescents of various ages diff er. The analysis of the questionnaire results allowed us to identify the following modern incentives for the formation of students’ cognitive interest: the possibility of choice and self-expression, unconventionality, eventfulness, emotionality, visualization of educational information, career guidance component, and gamification of the learning process. Discussion and Conclusion. Thus, during the research process, the hypothesis we put forward was confirmed. The openness of the school today is becoming a new factor in shaping the cognitive interest of students.

Order of the Presidium of the All-Russian Extraordinary Commission to all provincial emergency commissions No. 54 (dated April 29, 1920) on provincial commissions “for the protection of monuments of art and antiquity”

Bodies of the Cheka — GPU — OGPU for many years collected and analyzed information about the processes that took place in various social strata, national, confessional, professional groups (in certain regions and across the country as a whole). The efforts of the Chekists were aimed at curbing covert and open opposition to Soviet power on the part of political opponents of the regime. Among other things, the authorities were interested in the mindset among civil servants, as well as among the scientific and creative intelligentsia. On April 29, 1920, the Presidium of the All-Russian Extraordinary Commission issued order No. 54, addressed to the territorial bodies of the Cheka, with instructions to collect data on the activities of the provincial commissions “for the protection of monuments of art and antiquity”. The Chekists, first of all, were interested in information about the connections of museum employees with the clergy and teaching staff of the former religious educational institutions. Below is a list of information provided by employees of the Novgorod provincial Cheka and sent by them in parallel to the Secret Department of the Cheka and to the VIII Department of the People’s Commissariat of Justice of the RSFSR. The publication is carried out according to the original copy deposited in the A-353 fund of the State Archive of the Russian Federation. The document is accompanied by detailed comments, in particular, information about the employees of Novgorod museums: A. V. Nikiforovsky, S. K. Matveevsky, V. A. Kvashonkin and others. Particular attention is paid to the ups and downs of the biography of N. G. Porfiridov, a landmark person in the and one of the defendants in a large-scale criminal case initiated in January 1933 by employees of the Plenipotentiary Representation of the United State Political Directorate in the Leningrad Military District against a large group of people, including museum workers and local historians.

Criminological portrait of the “thief in law” today: Results of the All-Russian penitentiary research

In legal science and law enforcement, there is no certainty about the relationship between the concepts of “thief in law” and “person occupying the highest position in the criminal hierarchy”, which leads to problems and errors when bringing to criminal responsibility under Part 4 of Art. 210 of the Criminal Code and Art. 2101 of the Criminal Code. In order to solve this problem, a study was conducted among the operational staff of institutions of the penitentiary system engaged in countering penitentiary crime in general and organized crime in part icular, professionally possessing knowledge in the field of criminal subculture. As a result of the study, were established: signs of a person who cannot be a “thief in law”; signs of a person who is a “thief in law”; the relationship between the concepts of “thief in law” and “person occupying the highest position in the criminal hierarchy”; the procedure for conferring the title of “thief in law” (the procedure of “coronation”, “baptism”); the procedure for depriving the title of “thief in law”. In addition, the moment of the end of crimes related to the occupation of the highest position in the criminal hierarchy has been determined, the circle of persons included in the number of subjects of crimes provided for in Part 4 of Art. 210 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and Art. 2101 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, the rights and obligations of “thief in law”, their functions and powers in the criminal environment are established.